COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

Last updated on May 11, 2023.

Have a question about the COVID-19 vaccines?

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Getting a COVID-19 vaccine

What types of COVID-19 vaccines are available?

Four COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized in the United States: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are available for people aged 6 months and older. The Novavax vaccine is available for people aged 12 years and older. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was available for some adults age 18 and older, but is no longer available in the United States now that all remaining doses have expired..
Most people should get Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax. The J&J vaccine is only authorized for some people: people who can’t get another vaccine for medical or accessibility reasons, and people who choose to get J&J because they otherwise would remain unvaccinated against COVID-19. Data shows that Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax’s vaccines are safer than the vaccine made by Johnson & Johnson.
Data shows that Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax’s vaccines are safer than the vaccine made by Johnson & Johnson.
CDC has detailed information about each vaccine on their Different COVID-19 Vaccines page.

How many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine do I need?

The exact number of vaccine doses you need depends on what type of vaccine you get, your age, and whether or not you are immunocompromised.
Talking with a health care provider can help you learn more about how many doses you or your child need and when to schedule them.
If you’ve never been vaccinated against COVID-19 before, start by getting an omicron vaccine.
- Children aged 6 months through 4 years who get Pfizer need three doses.
- Most people aged 5 years and older who start with Pfizer need one dose. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised need three doses.
- Children aged 6 months through 5 years who start with Moderna need two doses. Children who are moderately or severely immunocompromised need three doses.
- Most people aged 6 years and older who start with Moderna need one dose. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised need three doses.
- People aged 12 years and older who start with Novavax need two doses. You can receive Pfizer or Moderna’s omicron vaccine for your second dose.
If you previously received an original (monovalent) COVID-19 vaccine, including Novavax, Johnson & Johnson, and the original vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna, you can get an omicron booster two months or more after your most recent original dose. It doesn’t matter how many original doses you already received.
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may receive one or two omicron vaccine doses, depending on their age and how many doses they previously received.
Some people can get additional omicron vaccines:
- People aged 65 and older can get a second omicron vaccine at least four months after their first omicron vaccine.
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may receive a second omicron booster at least two months after their first omicron vaccine. After that, some immunocompromised people may receive additional omicron vaccines at the recommendation of their health care provider. Additional doses should be spaced at least two months apart.
Adults aged 18 years and older who haven’t received any booster doses yet and either can’t or would prefer not to get a Pfizer or Moderna omicron dose can receive a third Novavax dose six months after completing a primary series of any authorized COVID-19 vaccine. This third dose is the same formulation and dosage as the doses in the Novavax primary series.

How do I know what kind of vaccine I’ve received in the past?

The vaccine card you received at your very first COVID-19 vaccine appointment should list the COVID-19 vaccines you’ve received. If you no longer have your vaccine card, or your vaccine card is incomplete, you can find your immunization record in the Colorado Immunization Information System Public Portal. If you have difficulty finding your record, review this guidance document. Email cdphe.ciis@state.co.us for additional assistance.
In your records, omicron vaccines may be called “bivalent” vaccines, while original vaccines may appear as “monovalent” or “mono” vaccines.
If you got your COVID-19 vaccination(s) outside of Colorado, please contact your vaccination provider or the immunization information system of the state in which you received your COVID-19 to request a copy of your records.

Does my omicron vaccine need to be the same brand as my previous doses?

It depends on your age.
In general, children aged 6 months through 5 years should receive the same brand of vaccine for all doses.
- Children aged 5 years old who started with Moderna’s original vaccine may receive either Pfizer or Moderna’s omicron vaccine. Children aged 5 years old who started with Pfizer’s original vaccine may only receive Pfizer’s omicron vaccine.
Anyone aged 6 years and older can receive either Pfizer or Moderna’s omicron vaccine, regardless of which vaccine(s) they previously received.

Why do I need an omicron vaccine if I have already received an original COVID-19 vaccine

Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines give you the highest level of protection from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccine effectiveness varies by vaccine type and can drop over time. Getting all recommended doses helps make sure you stay protected after a certain amount of time has passed since you first got vaccinated. Other routine vaccines also require multiple doses to work well.
Just like the virus has evolved, so has the vaccine. All viruses mutate over time, including COVID-19. The spikes that cover the COVID-19 virus have changed since the original COVID-19 vaccines became available. These spikes were the original target of the COVID-19 vaccines, which is one reason why immunity from the original vaccines has decreased.
Getting the updated omicron vaccine gives targeted protection from the COVID-19 variants circulating right now. Pfizer and Moderna’s updated omicron doses teach your body to make both the original spike proteins and spike proteins that cover the omicron variant of the virus. That way, your immune system gets to practice fighting both.

Can I get an omicron vaccine if I was first vaccinated outside of the United States?

Yes. If you are 5 years old or older and:
- Received an original COVID-19 vaccine listed for emergency use by WHO, but not approved or authorized by the FDA; or
- Completed a mix and match series composed of any combination of FDA-approved, FDA-authorized, or WHO-EUL COVID-19 vaccines,
You can get another dose in Colorado.
You should get your omicron dose at least two months after completing your primary series or receiving your most recent original booster dose.

Should I get vaccinated if I’ve already had COVID-19?

Yes. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, even if you’ve already had COVID-19.
While recovering from COVID-19 may give you natural immunity to the virus, the immunity might not last more than a few months. It’s possible to get COVID-19 again even if you have already recovered from the illness. You should plan to get vaccinated with all recommended doses to make sure you have the best possible protection from COVID-19.
Data show that people who previously had COVID-19 and also got vaccinated were better protected from hospitalization than people who only had immunity from a previous infection.
You can get a vaccine as soon as you feel better and have completed your isolation period. People who recently had COVID-19 and are not immunocompromised or at high risk may consider waiting up to three months after they tested positive or first started feeling symptoms to receive their next dose. Talking with a health care provider can help you learn more about the best time to schedule your next dose, but it’s not required.

Should I get vaccinated if I recently received plasma treatment for COVID-19?

Yes, people who previously received convalescent plasma as part of COVID-19 treatment can be vaccinated at any time. COVID-19 vaccination does not need to be delayed following receipt of convalescent plasma.

Is it safe to take my prescription medications on the same day I get vaccinated?

Yes, it is fine to take all prescription drugs as usual.

Should I take over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or Advil before getting vaccinated to help with the side effects?

Avoid taking over-the-counter pain or fever medications before getting vaccinated. There is a theoretical possibility that doing so might reduce vaccine effectiveness.
If it is normally safe for you to do so, you can take over-the-counter pain or fever medication after you receive the vaccine and once you start to feel side effects.

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?

Yes. COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines may now be given at the same time, if needed, or close together.
Your doctor may consider the types of vaccine, whether you are behind on recommended vaccines, and what kind of side effects the vaccines may have before deciding whether or not to give them together. Talk to your doctor about additional concerns you might have about getting more than one vaccine at the same time.

Can I get the vaccine at my doctor’s office or local pharmacy?

Many pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and other locations offer COVID-19 vaccines. Contact your health care provider for more information.
The Biden-Harris Administration launched the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination. Coloradans have the opportunity to be vaccinated at select pharmacies under this program. In Colorado, the participating pharmacies are CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Safeway, Cardinal, City Market/King Soopers, and Costco.
To see the current list of vaccine providers in the state, visit the state’s Find out where you can get vaccinated webpage.

I need a ride to my vaccine appointment. What are my options?

Mile High United Way’s Ride United program is providing access to free rides (up to 25 miles each way) to vaccination sites across Colorado. Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211colorado.org to learn more.
Uber and Lyft are offering free rides to vaccine provider locations. Use your smartphone to book a ride on the Uber and Lyft apps.

I need help with child care while I get the vaccine or recover from side effects. What can I do?

Learning Care Group offers free child care to help parents and caregivers get vaccinated and recuperate. Call (833) 459-3557 for more information.

What should I do if I’m asked to pay for the vaccine?

The vaccine is free. Providers should not ask you to pay for the vaccine or other administrative costs, even if you don’t have health insurance. If you do have insurance, your provider may seek reimbursement from your health insurance company, but you should not be charged.
Providers are not allowed to turn you away, even if you don’t have health insurance. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance are required to cover the cost of the COVID-19 vaccines.
In the unlikely event that your provider requires payment for your vaccine appointment, you should ask questions about what you are being charged for and why. You should ask for an itemized bill or receipt from the provider and then seek reimbursement from your insurance company if you have one.
If a provider demands payment, you can report them by filling out the following form: covid19.colorado.gov/VaccineConcerns.
If you encounter problems with your insurance company, you can contact the Division of Insurance by phone at 303-894-7490 or by email at DORA_Insurance@state.co.us.
If someone is making you pay for a vaccine or a vaccine appointment, it may be a scam. You can report potential vaccine scams to the Colorado Attorney General’s Office at stopfraudcolorado.gov.

How much of my personal information will I need to share to get the vaccine?

Like other routine vaccinations, you will need to share some personal information with your vaccine provider when you get a COVID-19 vaccine. This may include your name, date of birth, and contact information. Your privacy is a top priority, and your information will not be used for anything other than vaccine distribution and follow-up information about the vaccine.
For an example of a form you may be asked to fill out at your appointment, see the Colorado COVID-19 Vaccine Screening and Administration Form. This form includes a field for your insurance card number if you have one, but you should not be required to fill it out.
Sharing your identity and some of your medical history ensures that the vaccine is administered safely, effectively, and responsibly. Your individual immunization records are confidential, personal medical information, and public health will never share them publicly.
The state health department maintains the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS), a confidential, population-based, secure computerized system that collects and consolidates individual-level vaccine and exemption data for Coloradans of all ages from a variety of sources. Health care providers have limited access to CIIS based on their need to input and access data for their patients.
Under Colorado law, you can choose to remove your immunization information from CIIS at any time. This is called an opt-out.
The state health department submits weekly, anonymous COVID-19 vaccine administration data to the CDC as required. The state worked to ensure that no personally identifiable information like your name or full address will be shared with CDC.

Will I need government-issued identification to prove my age, address, or name?

No. You do not need a government-issued ID like a driver’s license or passport to get the vaccine. Some medical forms may have a field to enter your social security number, but you are not required to complete it.
If a provider is requiring you to show identification in order to get vaccinated, you can submit a report by filling out the following form: covid19.colorado.gov/VaccineConcerns.

Do I have to be a full-time resident of Colorado to get vaccinated?

No. You do not need to be a full-time resident of Colorado, nor of a particular Colorado county, to be vaccinated in Colorado.

Should I take a test to see if I am infected before getting the vaccine?

No. The CDC does not recommend getting tested before getting the vaccine. If you do not have any symptoms and have not been recently exposed to COVID-19, there is no need to get a test before your vaccine appointment.

Vaccine side effects

What are the side effects of the vaccines?

You may experience mild to moderate side effects after receiving the vaccine. Side effects typically go away on their own after a few days. The most commonly reported side effects are:
- Pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site.
- Pain, tenderness and swelling of the lymph nodes in the same arm of the injection.
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Muscle pain.
- Chills.
- Joint pain.
- Nausea/vomiting.
- Fever.
Different people may experience different side effects, even if they receive the same vaccine.
These symptoms are normal and show that your body’s immune system is responding to a vaccine. Other routine vaccines, like the flu vaccine, have similar side effects.
For in-depth information about the side effects of the vaccines, see the CDC’s report on the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna vaccine, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and the Novavax vaccine.

I heard about people getting dizzy or fainting after receiving a vaccine. Is feeling dizzy or lightheaded a common side effect?

Some people have reported experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint, rapid breathing, and sweating symptoms immediately following COVID-19 vaccines in several states, including Colorado.
On April 7, 2021, 11 people reported symptoms like these at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Community Vaccination Site in Colorado. EMS transported two of the patients to the hospital for observation, and treated the other nine people with juice and water. The two patients transported to the hospital were released from the emergency department and were not admitted. Vaccinations at the site were temporarily paused, then resumed after public health found no cause for concern.
Feeling anxious or faint can be common when receiving any vaccination or going through any kind of medical procedure, like a blood draw. When you go to your vaccine appointment, bring a beverage and a snack or a friend or family member to help offer some reassurance. Let clinical staff know if you are feeling faint, as they may need to put your feet up temporarily or give you something to drink. Learn more about fainting after vaccination from the CDC.
CDC, FDA, and other federal partners will continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
Learn more about the safety of vaccines.

When should I seek medical care because of side effects?

If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.
In most cases, discomfort from fever or pain after getting the vaccine is normal. Contact your doctor or health care provider:
- If the redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours.
- If your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days.

If I have side effects like fever and chills after getting the vaccine, does that mean I am contagious? Do I need to isolate?

Side effects happen one to two days after receiving the vaccine. They can include fever, chills, headache, and fatigue. If you experience the expected side effects within one or two days of receiving a vaccine, it likely means that you are not contagious and do not need to isolate.
The vaccines do not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 disease. A COVID-19 vaccine can’t give you COVID-19.
Cough, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell are not recognized side effects of the vaccine. These may be signs of COVID-19 infection (or another infection). If you feel any of these symptoms, begin isolating and get tested for COVID-19 as soon as you can.

Will getting vaccinated cause me to test positive for COVID-19?

No. Getting vaccinated won’t give you a positive test result. If you test positive shortly after being vaccinated, it’s likely that you caught COVID-19 before you were able to build immunity from the vaccine. Follow instructions on how to isolate until you feel better.

If I don't have side effects after getting a vaccine, is it still working?

Yes. Different people will respond differently to the vaccines. While many people will have side effects, some people will not. Even if you do not get side effects, the vaccine is likely working.

Can the vaccine cause an allergic reaction?

Although it is rare, the COVID-19 vaccines may cause mild allergic reactions in some people, like itching or rash. In extremely rare cases, some people may have a severe allergic reaction (e.g. anaphylaxis). If this occurs, vaccination providers will effectively and immediately treat the reaction.
The health care provider administering your vaccine will monitor you for any allergic reactions you may have after getting vaccinated. They will watch you for at least 15 minutes after the injection (or for 30 minutes if you have a history of anaphylaxis or if you have had an immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a vaccine or injectable therapy).
If you had a reaction following a vaccination, contact your health care provider. You can also submit a report to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
For more information, see CDC: What to Do If You Have an Allergic Reaction after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine.

Should I get vaccinated if I’ve had an allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past?

People with a history of severe allergic reactions to any ingredient of a COVID-19 vaccine should not receive that vaccine. For a full list of ingredients, please see each vaccine’s fact sheet (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, or Novavax). None of the vaccines contain eggs, preservatives, or latex.
Additionally, people who have had an immediate allergic reaction (within seconds or minutes) of any severity to previous doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, its components, or to polysorbate should not receive additional doses of the same vaccine.
People who have had severe allergic reactions to other vaccines or injectable therapies in the past should use caution and talk with their health care provider before deciding whether to get vaccinated.
People with a history of severe allergic reactions unrelated to any vaccine or injectable therapy should get the COVID-19 vaccine.

What if I am injured by the vaccine? Will I have to pay my own medical bills?

If you get a serious physical injury as a direct result of the COVID-19 vaccine, you can file a claim for medical expenses, lost employment income, and survivor death benefits with the Countermeasure Injury Compensation Program (CICP).
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to file a claim or receive benefits from the CICP if you qualify.

What can I do if I can’t afford to take off work to get the vaccine or recover from side effects?

Under Colorado’s Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA), you are entitled to paid sick leave from your employer. Among other situations, the law requires employers to provide paid leave for employees who have an illness, injury, or health condition that prevents them from working. Paid sick leave must also be available if the employee is getting preventative care such as a vaccination.
During a public health emergency, all employers, regardless of the size of the company, must immediately provide each employee additional paid leave. For example, employees who normally work 40 or more hours a week are entitled to 80 hours of paid sick leave.
For more information about HFWA, please visit the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s website.

Are there any serious side effects of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

Serious side effects (also known as adverse events) are extremely rare. The federal government takes all reports of vaccine adverse events seriously.
CDC uses many vaccine safety monitoring systems, including the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), to watch for adverse events after vaccination. VAERS is useful for quickly detecting unusual or unexpected patterns of adverse event reporting that might signal a possible safety problem with a vaccine.
VAERS accepts reports of any adverse event following vaccination, even if it is not clear that the vaccine caused a serious side effect.

What serious side effects have been reported for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine?

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19, and the benefits greatly outweigh the risks.
Serious side effects are extremely rare. There may be increased, but still rare, risks of an abnormal blood clotting disorder called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) in women under age 50 or a nerve disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in men over age 50.
CDPHE has sent information to health care providers to inform them about how to identify and treat TTS and GBS in the very rare case they were to occur.
Health care providers administering the vaccine and vaccine recipients or caregivers should review the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers) and Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers, which have been revised to include information about the risk of these extremely rare syndromes.
People who have received the Janssen vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.

Can someone else who received a COVID-19 vaccine shed any of the vaccine components and affect my menstrual cycle?

No. Your menstrual cycle cannot be affected by being near someone who received a COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine cannot shed any parts of the vaccine.
Many things can affect menstrual cycles, including stress, changes in monthly schedule, problems with sleep, and changes in diet or exercise. Infections may also affect the menstrual cycle.

Pregnancy, fertility, and COVID-19 vaccines

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I would like to have a baby one day?

Yes. If you or your partner are trying to become pregnant now or want to have a child in the future, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine.
There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination causes any problems with pregnancy, including the development of the placenta. In addition, there is no evidence that fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines. People who have received COVID-19 vaccines have gone on to get pregnant and have healthy babies.
A recent small study looked at sperm characteristics, like quantity and movement, before and after vaccination in 45 healthy men. Researchers found no significant changes in sperm characteristics after vaccination.
Please talk with your doctor for more information if you have any concerns.
For more information, visit the CDC’s website COVID-19 Vaccines for People Who Would Like to Have a Baby.

Can I get the vaccine if I am breastfeeding?

Yes. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends that lactating people who get the vaccine continue breastfeeding their babies after being vaccinated.
Breast milk contains antibodies and other components that can boost babies’ immune systems and protect babies from getting sick. Research has shown that COVID-19 antibodies are present in breast milk. It is believed that antibodies created after vaccination may also transfer into breast milk and could provide some protection to the baby.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy, see CDPHE’s Pregnancy and breastfeeding FAQ.

Can I get the vaccine if I am pregnant?

Yes. The best way to protect yourself and your baby from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.
There is now more evidence than ever to show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant people. The vaccines help keep you from getting sick. They won’t harm your baby.
For more information about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, visit the CDC’s website.
Additional actions you can take to protect yourself include wearing a mask in public, keeping your distance from people who don’t live with you, washing your hands frequently, and limiting gatherings. These precautions are especially important if you live in an area where COVID-19 is spreading widely.

Vaccines for children and teens

Can children get the vaccine?

Yes, children as young as 6 months old can get a COVID-19 vaccine.
CDC authorized Pfizer and Modern's COVID-19 vaccines for people aged 6 months and older. The Novavax vaccine is authorized for people aged 12 years and older. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is only authorized for adults aged 18 years and older.
For more information, visit CDPHE’s Vaccines for children and teens webpage.

How can I make a vaccine appointment for my child?

Ask your child’s medical provider if they offer COVID-19 vaccines in their office.
You can also find a vaccine appointment for your child at one of many vaccine clinics around the state.
Parents are encouraged to ask about getting up to date on their own vaccines when talking with their child’s health care provider about vaccination.

Is it safe for children to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. Clinical trials and real-world data show that it is safe for children to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Millions of children have already safely been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Thousands of children and their families volunteered to make sure the vaccines for children under 5 years of age are safe and work well.
For more information, visit the CDC’s webpage COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in Children and Teens.

How well does the vaccine work for children?

The vaccine works well to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death in children.
Both Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines for younger children offered protection from infection in clinical trials, even during the omicron surge. This protection was as good as or better than the vaccines for older children and adults during omicron.
Both Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines for younger children triggered the immune system to make antibodies in clinical trials. This immune response was similar to the response produced by COVID-19 vaccines in young adults. This immune response means it’s very likely the vaccines prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death in young children.
A CDC report from March 2022 showed that getting vaccinated with two doses was 73% to 94% effective at preventing COVID-related hospitalizations among children aged 5 to 17 years.

Do children get the same type of vaccine as adults?

It depends on their age. Children age 12 to 17 years get the same kind of vaccines as adults.
Children aged 6 months through 11 years get smaller doses of the vaccines. These doses are tailored to make sure they are safe and effective for each age group.

Do children need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at their vaccine appointments?

The state of Colorado does not require minors to be accompanied as long as parental consent is collected and shared prior to the appointment. This can be done through Colorado’s COVID-19 Vaccine Screening and Administration Form (view in Spanish) or through the vaccine provider’s online scheduling system. The provider may also obtain consent by phone and document it in the patient’s record.
Some vaccine providers may require children to have a parent or guardian with them at their appointment. We recommend calling your provider ahead of time to check whether they require parental accompaniment.

What are the side effects of the vaccine for children?

The side effects in children are similar to the side effects experienced by adults. They can include pain, swelling, and redness in the arm where the vaccine was given; tiredness; headache; soreness; chills; and fever.
For children aged 3 years and younger, the most common side effects include pain where the vaccine was given, swollen lymph nodes, irritability or crying, sleepiness, and loss of appetite.
Side effects may be more common after the second dose, especially for children aged 4 years and older.
In clinical trials, children under 12 years tended to have milder side effects than teens and adults.
Most side effects are mild and go away on their own after a day or two.

Will my child need multiple doses of the vaccine?

It depends on their age, which vaccine they start with, and whether they are immunocompromised.
Children aged 6 months through 4 years who start with Pfizer need three doses. Children aged 6 months through 5 years who start with Moderna and are not immunocompromised need two doses.
Children who are 5 years of age and not immunocompromised can receive either a single dose of Pfizer’s omicron vaccine or two doses of Moderna’s omicron vaccine.
Children aged 6 years and older who are not immunocompromised should receive a single dose of either Pfizer or Moderna’s omicron vaccine.
Children aged 6 months and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and have never been vaccinated against COVID-19 before should receive at least three doses of either Pfizer or Moderna’s omicron vaccine. Some immunocompromised children may receive additional omicron vaccine doses. Talk with your child’s health care provider to learn more about how many doses may be best for them.
If your child previously received any number of original vaccine doses, they should also receive an omicron vaccine for the best protection. Immunocompromised children may receive more than one omicron vaccine.

Health concerns and the vaccine

Can I get the vaccine if I am immunocompromised?

Yes. Immunocompromised people should receive a COVID-19 vaccine if they have no contraindications or reason to believe that getting the vaccine would be harmful to them. Talk with your health care provider if you have additional questions.
More information can be found at CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People.
None of the currently available vaccines contains the virus that causes COVID-19. A COVID-19 vaccine cannot give you COVID-19.

Can I donate blood if I’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. According to the American Red Cross and Vitalant, you can donate blood if you’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Pfizer, Modern, Johnson & Johnson, Novavax, or AstraZeneca. You must be symptom-free and fever-free to donate blood.
Check with your local blood center for additional information.

Do some people get blood clots after being vaccinated?

While it’s extremely rare, some people have developed a condition that leads to blood clots with low platelets after getting vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

This condition is called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, or TTS.
Women age 18 to 49 are at higher risk of TTS after being vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine compared to other people. However, this risk is still extremely low.
Although the condition is rare, current evidence suggests a causal association between Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine and TTS. The Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax vaccines don’t have this risk.
Because of this, the J&J vaccine is only authorized for some people: people who can’t get Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax for medical or accessibility reasons, or people who choose J&J because they otherwise would remain unvaccinated against COVID-19. The J&J vaccine is no longer available in the United States as all doses have passed their expiration date.
CDPHE has sent information to health care providers about how to identify and treat TTS.
If you get a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks of getting vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, seek medical care immediately.
For more information about TTS and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, visit CDC’s website.

Do some people get nervous system disorders after getting vaccinated?

While it’s extremely rare, some people may have had a nervous system disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) after being vaccinated with the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. CDC and FDA are monitoring reports of this condition after vaccination.
GBS is a rare disorder where the body’s immune system damages nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. Most people fully recover from GBS, but some have permanent nerve damage.
Men over age 50 are at higher risk of getting GBS after being vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine compared to other people. However, this risk is still very low.
For more information about GBS and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, visit CDC’s website.

Do younger people get heart symptoms after getting vaccinated?

It’s possible, but extremely rare, for people to get conditions called myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination.
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. In both cases, the body’s immune system causes inflammation in response to an infection or another trigger.
Very few people get myocarditis or pericarditis after vaccination, and most cases of these conditions are mild. People often recover on their own or with minimal treatment.
These cases have occurred after vaccination with Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax, especially in male adolescents and young adults. They occur more often after the second dose and usually within several days after vaccination.
Some people, especially boys and men age 12 to 39 aged 12 to 39 years, may receive their second dose of the vaccine up to eight weeks after their first dose to help further reduce the low risk of myocarditis.
Compared to the very low risks of myocarditis and pericarditis after vaccination, people who are infected with COVID-19 are much more likely to develop these conditions. The conditions may be more severe in people who get infected as well.
Scientists have reviewed reports of these conditions and decided that the benefits of the vaccine are greater than the risks. CDPHE and CDC continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older.
For more information about heart symptoms after vaccination, visit CDC’s website.

How COVID-19 vaccines work

Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?

No. None of the currently authorized vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine contains a modified adenovirus, a different, harmless virus, but this virus cannot replicate itself or make you sick.
The Novavax vaccine contains small pieces of the COVID-19 virus, but these pieces on their own cannot replicate themselves or make you sick.

What’s the difference between an mRNA vaccine, a viral vector vaccine, and a protein-based vaccine?

Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines are mRNA vaccines. Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine is a viral vector vaccine. Novavax’s vaccine is a protein-based vaccine.
All three types of COVID-19 vaccines teach your body how to fight spike proteins like the ones that cover the COVID-19 virus. If you are exposed to COVID-19 after vaccination, your body will recognize the spike proteins and remember how to fight them before the virus makes you sick.
Viral vector vaccines, like the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, use a piece of double-stranded DNA to teach your body how to make spike proteins and then fight them.
mRNA vaccines, like the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, use single-stranded mRNA to teach your body how to make and fight spike proteins.
The Novavax vaccine contains a very small amount of spike protein taken directly from the COVID-19 virus. It also contains an ingredient called an adjuvant, which boosts the immune system. The protein and the adjuvant work together to teach your immune system how to recognize and fight COVID-19. The Novavax vaccine does not use any genetic material.
The goal of every COVID-19 vaccine is the same. They just use different strategies to achieve that goal.

How do mRNA vaccines work?

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both mRNA vaccines. These vaccines help our bodies build an immune response to the COVID-19 virus. The mRNA vaccines use temporary genetic code called mRNA to teach our cells how to make a harmless spike protein that is unique to the virus that causes COVID-19. After our cells temporarily make copies of the protein, our immune system recognizes that the protein should not be in our body and builds antibodies to remember how to fight the virus if we are infected in the future.
An antibody is a protein produced by your immune system that can recognize a specific type of virus in your body. When you get exposed, your body’s antibodies are able to recognize proteins on the surface of the COVID-19 virus to attack and stop it from replicating in your body.
For a visual explanation of how mRNA vaccines work, watch Stat’s video “What are mRNA vaccines?”
To learn more, visit CDC’s Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work.

How do viral vector vaccines work?

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a viral vector vaccine. Like mRNA vaccines, viral vector vaccines help our bodies build an immune response to the COVID-19 virus. Viral vector vaccines temporarily teach our cells how to make a harmless spike protein that is unique to the virus that causes COVID-19.
While mRNA vaccines use single-stranded genetic code called mRNA to write down instructions for this protein, viral vector vaccines use double-stranded DNA. Scientists put this DNA into a different virus called Adenovirus 26. Adenoviruses are common viruses that typically cause colds or flu-like symptoms. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses a modified adenovirus that can give your cells instructions about how to make spike proteins. This adenovirus can’t make you sick.
After our cells temporarily make copies of the protein, our immune system recognizes that the protein should not be in our body and builds antibodies to remember how to fight the virus if we are exposed in the future.
An antibody is a protein produced by your immune system that can recognize a specific type of virus in your body. When you get exposed, your body’s antibodies are able to recognize proteins on the surface of the COVID-19 virus to attack and stop it from replicating in your body.
To learn more, visit CDC’s Understanding Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccines.

How do protein-based vaccines work?

The Novavax vaccine is a protein-based vaccine. It contains a very small amount of spike protein taken directly from the COVID-19 virus. It also contains an ingredient called an adjuvant, which boosts the immune system. The protein and the adjuvant work together to teach your immune system how to recognize and fight COVID-19.
FDA-approved protein-based vaccines have been used widely for decades to prevent other diseases. The hepatitis B and shingles vaccines are both protein-based.

Can COVID-19 vaccines change my genes?

No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines can change your body’s genes.
While mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines use temporary genetic code to teach your body how to fight COVID-19, that genetic code does not stay in your body after your immune system has learned how to protect you from the virus.

Do any of the vaccines contain harmful ingredients?

Today’s vaccines use only the ingredients they need to be as safe and effective as possible. Each ingredient in a vaccine serves a specific purpose: provide immunity (protection) and keep the vaccine safe and long-lasting.
All vaccines contain antigens or elements that trigger the production of antigens. Antigens make vaccines work. They help the body create the immune response needed to protect against infection. Antigens come in several forms. The form used in a vaccine is chosen because studies show it is the best way to protect against a particular infection.
Other ingredients in vaccines may include preservatives, to keep germs out; adjuvants, to help boost the immune response to the vaccine; and additives, which help the vaccine stay effective while being stored. Each ingredient has a specific function and has been rigorously studied. These ingredients are safe for humans in the amounts used in vaccines.
For a full list of ingredients, please see each vaccine’s fact sheet (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, or Novavax).

Do any of the vaccines contain ingredients that would be prohibited by my faith?

Johnson & Johnson's vaccine includes ethanol, a form of alcohol, as an inactive ingredient.
None of the currently authorized vaccines contain human cells or tissue. However, some human cell lines were used in the production of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine. Pfizer and Moderna used human cell lines to test their vaccines.
- Human cell lines are sometimes used in the early stages of vaccine development because viruses from which those vaccines are made need living cells to reproduce. These cell lines originally came from fetal tissue more than 30 years ago. None of the original tissue remains today: all descended cells are grown in labs. No new fetal tissue is required in the ongoing development and production of vaccines.
- As with all viral vector vaccines, multiple purification steps ensure that cells are not in the final vaccine product.
- For more information about human cell lines, please see the College of Physicians of Philadelphia’s webpage Human Cell Strains in Vaccine Development.
No human cell lines were used in the development, manufacture, or production of Novavax.
For a full list of ingredients, please see each vaccine’s fact sheet (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, or Novavax).
If you have ethical concerns about the vaccines, we encourage you to talk to your faith leaders about them.

Vaccine safety

For additional information, visit CDC's webpage on vaccine safety.

How do we know that the vaccines are safe?

All authorized COVID-19 vaccines are going through the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history.
Hundreds of millions of people in the U.S. have safely received a vaccine and are now protected from COVID-19.
The FDA requires vaccines to go through a rigorous scientific process before they become available to the public. The COVID-19 vaccines are held to the same safety standards as other vaccines. Tens of thousands of people volunteered in scientific trials to help make sure the vaccines are safe and work well.

How were the vaccines developed so quickly?

Because COVID-19 was a global emergency, medical researchers around the world worked as hard as they could to create vaccines that would save people’s lives.
In developing a vaccine for COVID-19, researchers had to work quickly, but not at the risk of anyone’s safety. Researchers did not cut any corners or skip any steps. Safety and effectiveness were the top priorities.
The timeline for developing COVID-19 vaccines was possible for several reasons:
- Researchers relied on years of previous research in other viruses and vaccines to help develop COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 is similar in some ways to other viruses, so scientists already had some information about how the virus behaves and how to fight it. They didn’t have to start from scratch.
- Everyone involved dedicated all their resources and time to developing a COVID-19 vaccine. This includes research institutions, government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and pharmaceutical companies.
- Many governments around the world, including the U.S. government, and private funders invested in the vaccine. This allowed pharmaceutical companies to focus on research right away.
- Because of the emergency presented by the pandemic, researchers developed the vaccines on parallel tracks, meaning that they completed the necessary steps at the same time or with some overlap. No steps were skipped in the process of developing the COVID-19 vaccines.

Did the omicron vaccines go through the same authorization process as the original COVID-19 vaccines?

The updated omicron vaccines use the same technology as the mRNA vaccines that hundreds of millions of people have safely received. Researchers used their existing knowledge of mRNA vaccines to make slight adjustments that would improve the vaccines’ effectiveness against the omicron variant.
Because the omicron doses are slightly altered versions of previously approved vaccines, they did not have to go through the same clinical trials as the original formulations before becoming available to the public.
The process that the omicron doses went through is very similar to the process that the flu vaccine goes through every year to make sure it targets the most current version of the flu virus. Like flu vaccines, the omicron doses are safe and work to protect you from the variant of the virus that is currently circulating in the United States.

Is it safe for children to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. Children aged 6 months and older are recommended to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines for younger children work the same way as vaccines for older children and adults. But the dose is smaller to make sure it’s safe and gives the best possible protection for each age group.
Thousands of children and their families volunteered to make sure the vaccines for kids are safe and work well. Thanks to their help, more families can make the choice to get protected now, too.
Side effects for children are about the same as for adults.
For more information, visit the CDC’s webpage COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens.

Who approves vaccines in the United States?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licenses and approves the use of vaccines. Before the FDA approves a vaccine, the manufacturer must do rigorous research and testing to ensure the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. The FDA independently reviews and verifies the information from these tests. It then decides whether the vaccine can be authorized and given to the public.
In certain emergency situations, the FDA may issue an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to provide more timely access to critical medical products when there are no other options available.

How are the vaccines tested?

All new vaccines must go through a detailed scientific evaluation before they can be submitted to the FDA for approval. Each phase of the evaluation includes three different clinical research studies. In the clinical research study or trial, people volunteer to be part of the study. Each clinical trial emphasizes safety of the vaccine on people. As the research moves through to the next phase, the group of volunteers becomes bigger to include more diversity in people and circumstances.
- Phase 1 involves 20 to 100 healthy volunteers to evaluate safety and common side effects of the vaccine.
- Phase 2 involves several hundred volunteers to gather information on safety, vaccine dosing, and ability to stimulate an immune response.
- Phase 3 involves several thousand volunteers and a longer time frame than the earlier studies. Along with safety and side effects, most Phase 3 studies focus on efficacy -- how well the vaccine works in clinical trials -- and compare people who have received the vaccine to those who receive a placebo (a shot without the real vaccine). During these studies, neither the participants nor the study managers know who received the vaccine and who received the placebo until the end of the study. This phase provides the firmest scientific evidence possible showing the difference between people who have been vaccinated and people who have not been vaccinated for both safety and effectiveness.

Who are the volunteers in vaccine trials?

People volunteer to take part in clinical research studies. All study volunteers must go through a process called informed consent that ensures they understand all of the risks and benefits of being in a study. Those volunteers are reminded that they may leave a study at any time without losing any of their rights or benefits.
Each clinical trial emphasizes the safety of the vaccine on people. As the research moves through to the next phase, the group of volunteers becomes bigger to include more diversity in people and circumstances.
A diverse group of people volunteered to participate in every phase of the clinical trials, including populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 due to generations of systemic inequities. For example, in Pfizer’s clinical trials, about 42% of volunteers identified as Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, or Native American. About 37% of volunteers for Moderna’s trials identified as Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, or other.

What happens after clinical trials are finished?

Once the clinical trials show that the vaccine is safe and effective, the manufacturer applies to the FDA to license the vaccine so that the general population can receive it.
The FDA looks at all of the data from the trials using rigorous protocols and procedures. The vaccine is not authorized or approved until the FDA can make sure the vaccine is safe and effective.
In emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines can be authorized through an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). This helps the vaccine get to people who need it faster. After the vaccine is authorized, the manufacturer keeps gathering data on how safe it is and how well it works.

Who else reviews the safety and effectiveness data from the clinical trials?

For each vaccine authorized by the FDA, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) carefully reviews all available data about the vaccine from clinical trials and other studies and makes recommendations for vaccine use in the general public. Recommendations include groups that should and should not receive the vaccine, as well as the timing, volume, number, and spacing of doses in a vaccine series.
The ACIP is an independent advisory committee that provides guidance on the best use of vaccines to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Once ACIP recommendations have been reviewed and approved by the CDC and HHS, they are published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). The MMWR publication represents the final and official CDC recommendations for immunization of the U.S. population.

How is vaccine safety monitored once the vaccine is approved or authorized?

The FDA and CDC closely monitor vaccine safety after the public begins using the vaccine. Both agencies have systems in place to keep an eye on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more about the different vaccine safety monitoring systems:
- CDC’s V-safe is a new smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine recipients can opt-in to receive text messages and web surveys from CDC on how to report health problems following COVID-19 vaccination. The system will also provide telephone follow-up to anyone who reports medically significant adverse events. The report will be submitted to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) while keeping patient identity confidential. V-safe is now available in English, Korean, simplified Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
- Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) - VAERS is an early-warning system that collects and analyzes reports of any problems that happen after vaccination. Anyone can submit a report, including parents, patients, and health care professionals.
- Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) - VSD is a collaboration between CDC and several health care organizations to monitor vaccine safety. The system analyzes healthcare information for over 24 million people to conduct studies about rare and serious adverse events after immunization.
- Post-licensure Rapid Immunization Safety Monitoring (PRISM) - PRISM is the FDA’s immunization safety monitoring program. PRISM actively monitors the safety of medical products using electronic health information from over 190 million people.
- Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Project (CISA) - CISA is a collaboration between CDC and seven medical research centers to answer complex safety questions. CISA conducts clinical research studies to further understand vaccine safety and recommend prevention strategies for adverse events following immunization.
Vaccine recommendations may change if safety monitoring reveals new information about vaccine risks, such as a new serious side effect. The CDC, with the help of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, will send safety alerts to health care providers. If necessary, the federal government may remove a vaccine from the market.

Can the vaccines cause death?

It’s possible, but incredibly rare for a COVID-19 vaccine to cause death. More than 655 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the United States. CDC found nine deaths have been caused by COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 is much more likely to cause death than any COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC, FDA, and CDPHE recommend getting vaccinated as the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19.
A review of available clinical information, including death certificates, autopsy, and medical records, has not established a causal link between deaths and COVID-19 vaccines.
CDC uses the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to closely monitor reports of death following COVID-19 vaccination. More than 655 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in the United States from December 14, 2020, through November 30, 2022. During this time, VAERS received 17,749 reports of death (0.0027%) among people who received a COVID-19 vaccine.
Reports of death after vaccination do not necessarily mean the vaccine caused the death. There are deaths every day from a variety of causes.
CDC follows up on any report of death to ask for more information. They use this information to learn more about what happened and to find out whether the death had something to do with the vaccine.
While it’s very rare, some people have developed a condition that leads to blood clots with low platelets after getting vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This condition is called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, or TTS. In extremely rare cases, TTS can cause death.
As of May 6, 2022, more than 18 million doses of the J&J vaccine have been given in the United States. CDC and FDA identified 60 people who got the J&J vaccine and later developed TTS. VAERS reports have identified nine deaths that have been caused by or were directly attributed to TTS following J&J vaccination.
Because of this, the J&J vaccine is only authorized for people who can’t get Pfizer or Moderna for medical or accessibility reasons, or people who otherwise would remain unvaccinated against COVID-19.
CDC, FDA, and other federal partners will continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Find out more on CDC’s Selected Adverse Events Reported after COVID-19 Vaccination.

COVID-19 immunity and protecting others after getting the vaccine

When will I be protected after I get the vaccine?

It takes two weeks after you’ve received your last recommended dose for your body to fully protect itself.

Is natural immunity from having COVID-19 better than getting a vaccine?

In order to get natural immunity, you have to become infected with COVID-19, which can come with many serious risks and complications. Getting the vaccine gives you protection without the risks of illness.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after having a COVID-19 infection provides added protection. People who already had COVID-19 and do not get vaccinated after their recovery are more likely to get COVID-19 again than those who get vaccinated after their recovery.

If I get vaccinated, is it possible for me to still get COVID-19?

Yes. Because the vaccines are not 100% effective, some people who are vaccinated against COVID-19 still get sick. However, the risk of getting sick -- especially severely sick -- is lower if you are up to date on your vaccines.

Why should I get vaccinated if I might get sick anyway?

If you do get sick after being vaccinated, it is much less likely that your symptoms will be severe or that you will need to be hospitalized.
Staying up to date with vaccines also greatly reduces the risk of death from COVID-19.

Do I need to quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19 once I am vaccinated?

CDC and CDPHE no longer recommend quarantine for people who have been exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. However, CDC recommends that people who have been exposed still take precautions to protect others, such as masking around others for 10 full days and getting tested at least five full days after exposure.
Watch for symptoms in the 10 days after exposure. Get tested immediately if you start to feel symptoms. If you test positive, you will need to isolate.

Do I need to isolate if I develop COVID-19-like symptoms after I have been vaccinated?

Yes. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms at any time, you should isolate and get tested for COVID-19. You should isolate and get tested even if you are fully up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.
If you feel symptoms like fever, chills, soreness, headache, and fatigue within a day or two of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, you are likely experiencing vaccine side effects. You do not need to isolate while you are feeling these side effects
Cough, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell are not recognized side effects of the vaccine. These may be signs of COVID-19 infection (or another infection). If you feel any of these symptoms after getting vaccinated, you should begin isolation and get tested for COVID-19.
Learn more about vaccine side effects in this FAQ.

Vaccine laws and regulations

Will I be required to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

You may be required as a condition of employment for some employers. But generally, employment aside, no, you aren’t required to get vaccinated at this time.

Can a business check my vaccination status before allowing me onto the property?

Yes. The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) does not apply to businesses like retail stores and restaurants because these businesses do not engage in any form of health care activity. It is not a violation of any federal or state law for a business to ask customers about their vaccination status. Customers may voluntarily share this information with a business if they choose to do so. A business may require public health measures (e.g. mask-wearing) if a customer chooses not to share their vaccination status.
The state public health department, which maintains the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS), does not share a person’s protected health information, such as their COVID-19 vaccination status, with any business. Individuals may choose whether to share their vaccination status with others.

How will I know if others are vaccinated without compromising their personal health information?

Every Coloradan’s immunization records are confidential, personal medical information that will never be shared publicly. The state will report information on the total number of residents who have been vaccinated in Colorado, but this data will not be attached to any individual’s personally identifying information.
The state health department maintains the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS), a confidential, population-based, secure computerized system that collects and consolidates individual-level vaccine and exemption data for Coloradans of all ages from a variety of sources.
Under Colorado law, you can choose to remove your immunization information from CIIS at any time. This is called an opt-out.

Can I get an exemption from my employer’s vaccine mandate?

Employees who work for employers requiring COVID-19 vaccination and who wish to exercise an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine should talk to their human resources office about acceptable exemption forms. The state’s standard certificates of medical and nonmedical exemption only address vaccines required by state Board of Health rules for school entry.
Employees may be entitled to an exemption through the ADA and Civil Rights Act of 1964. The U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission has more information on this on their website.

Can public and private colleges and universities mandate COVID-19 vaccination for students, faculty and/or staff?

Yes, they can. Questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements for students, faculty and/or staff should be directed to the specific college or university.

What should I do if I lose my vaccine card?

If you got the COVID-19 vaccine in Colorado, you can get your immunization record through the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) Public Portal. If you have difficulty finding your record, please review this guidance document.
Alternatively, if you got the COVID-19 vaccine in Colorado, you can find a digital version of your COVID-19 immunization card through myVaccine Record on the myColorado mobile app.
If you got your COVID-19 vaccination(s) outside of Colorado, please contact your vaccination provider or the immunization information system of the state in which you received your COVID-19 to request a copy of your records.

Emergency Use Authorization

What is a Emergency Use Authorization?

In certain emergency situations, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may issue an Emergency Use Authorization to provide more timely access to critical medicines when there are no other options available. An Emergency Use Authorization permits the FDA to allow medical products that have met certain criteria, to treat, diagnose, or prevent serious or life-threatening diseases to be used.
Watch this short video from the FDA about Emergency Use Authorization.

Why do EUAs exist?

EUAs were initially introduced in 2004 to prepare for bioterrorism attacks. Under an EUA, the government is able to authorize medical treatments and products in the event of a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) attack.

Is it common for vaccines to be authorized under an EUA?

Besides the currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines, the only vaccine that has been authorized under an EUA so far was an anthrax vaccine in 2005. This vaccine was given to certain military personnel who were at heightened risk of exposure to anthrax.

What is the criteria for an EUA?

The FDA may issue an EUA for a medical product if it meets the following criteria:
- The disease or CBRN agent in question can cause a serious or life-threatening illness or condition.
- There is reasonable belief, after looking at all the scientific evidence, that the product may be effective for its intended use. The phrase “may be effective” lowers the standards for scientific evidence typically required for FDA approvals.
- The known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks. The FDA will look at all available scientific evidence to determine the risk and benefits of a product.
- There is no adequate, approved, and available alternative to the product.

Besides the COVID-19 vaccines, when have EUAs been issued in the past?

Although not common, EUAs have been issued multiple times in the past for tests, treatments, and medical equipment.
- In 2009, EUAs were issued for diagnostic tests, personal protection equipment, and certain antiviral drugs during the H1N1 Swine Influenza pandemic.
- In 2013, EUAs were issued for diagnostic tests related to H7N9 influenza and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
- Several EUAs have already been issued for some COVID-19 tests and treatments, for example the antiviral medication remdesivir (recently approved), convalescent plasma, and multiple COVID-19 tests.